Li Ji sat in the living room, reading through the latest battle reports from the border.

In less than a month, Shengya’s military had dismantled over 70% of the illegal organizations along the border and seized a massive quantity of contraband.

Shengya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press conference, expressing interest in cooperating with the Danse Empire to address the follow-up issues—such as severing the supply chains for illicit blood and human trafficking, as well as the industry chains for illegal human experimentation.

“Are they just casually saying that, or do they really want to cooperate?”

Old Liu set down a freshly brewed cup of tea in front of Li Ji. “They say that to the outside world, but in reality, no one has reached out to negotiate with us.”

Li Ji took the cup. “A smokescreen.”

If you’re going to put on a act, you go all the way. Even if Shengya genuinely wanted to cooperate, that wasn’t their only motive.

The moment he was attacked, Shengya deployed its troops. The moment he returned to the palace, their border anti-crime operation drew to a close.

Although Shengya’s actions were entirely logical and justified, in the eyes of scheming individuals like Meng Jian, it looked like Shengya was standing right at Danse’s front doorstep, staring greedily at this piece of fat meat, ready to break down the door at any given moment.

Shengya surpassed Danse in technology, medicine, and military strength. However, its total energy reserves were less than one-tenth of Danse’s, and its reserves of the new Type-384 energy didn’t even reach one ten-thousandth. They possessed every necessary and sufficient condition to launch a war of aggression.

The Meng family could walk around acting like they owned the place domestically, but compared to the combined military might of the entire Shengya Empire, they were still far outclassed.

Once a war broke out between two superpowers, no one could accurately predict how it would end.

Then again, looking at it from another angle, Shengya’s intentions this time were also crystal clear: exert pressure at the border to contain Meng Jian, allowing him to smoothly complete his inspection tour.

Meng Jian had likely considered this possibility as well. However, without reliable evidence, he didn’t dare risk taking action. The most critical link in this entire puzzle was Song Jin’s true identity.

Xiao Xiao had merely taken a trip to Shengya and managed to kidnap the neighboring empire’s prince back with him—a twist so wild that even Meng Jian wouldn’t dare guess in that direction.

Lagging intelligence is the first step toward failed decision-making. If Meng Jian had no channel to update his information in a timely manner, he was doomed to be played in the palm of Xiao Xiao’s hand.

At that thought, Li Ji looked up at Old Liu. “Tell them to hurry up and develop new desserts.”

Old Liu respectfully acknowledged, “They are already working overtime on development.”

Li Ji added, “Every single new creation must be brought to me first for approval.”

His Majesty’s sudden, intense interest in desserts left Old Liu a bit puzzled. He couldn’t help but ask, “Have you grown tired of the previous flavors?”

“Only with good food can we keep the kid here.”

Li Ji took a sip from his teacup and said with confidence, “I can’t speak for other things, but when it comes to taste in desserts, mine is definitely better than Xiao Xiao’s.”

Old Liu: “…”

So he wants to tie down Song Jin.

Does this count as ‘Dessert Diplomacy’?

Hearing footsteps nearby, Old Liu turned his head and saw Wei Feng approaching in military uniform, his eyes widening in surprise.

Once this man put on a military uniform, he gave off a completely different impression than usual—firm, sharp, and naturally intimidating without even showing anger.

For a fraction of a second, Old Liu truly believed that the man standing before him was a general fresh off the battlefield.

Seeing Old Liu and Li Ji looking at him at the same time, Wei Feng asked, “Is there anywhere else that needs adjusting?”

Li Ji set down his teacup and stood up, his gaze sweeping over the special epaulet on Wei Feng’s right shoulder.

In the past, to reward officers who made major contributions, a specialized epaulet engraved with the insignia of their military corps would be conferred to replace the outermost one on their right shoulder—a symbol of glory and military merit.

Li Ji remarked, “As long as you don’t smile like an idiot, your posture and demeanor are fine.”

Wei Feng: “…”

Who’s smiling like an idiot?

Li Ji waved Old Liu over. “Help him tidy up the hem of his jacket.”

Old Liu answered, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

With a flick of Li Ji’s hand, a holographic projection of Lisha Castle’s spatial layout map appeared before them.

“At this hour, Meng Shan is still entertaining guests in the main hall.”

Li Ji circled a location. “In about half an hour, he will head to this small parlor to hold a private gathering with a few key high-ranking officials. Here is his route… and these two are his private rest quarters…”

Wei Feng studied the markings on the layout, committing Meng Shan’s entire schedule and movement trajectory for the night to memory.

After delivering the briefing, Li Ji handed over the lighter and cigarette case from the table. “The tobacco is laced with an anesthetic; inhaling even a small amount will induce hallucinations.”

Wei Feng took them. The style of the lighter and the brand of the cigarettes were identical to the ones in that video.

“I won’t end up passing out before I even knock that old coot out, will I?”

Li Ji replied, “There’s a toxin-neutralizing microchip inside the cigarette case. Just stick it behind your ear.”

Wei Feng opened the case, and indeed, there was a microchip the size of a mung bean. He casually slapped it behind his ear. “If the target accidentally dies during the mission, I won’t be held responsible, right?”

“No,” Li Ji sat back down to resume his work. “To be able to pass away under everyone’s blessings—he can be considered to die with no regrets.”

Wei Feng’s eyes darkened slightly. He slipped the cigarette case into his pocket and turned to walk out. “Just joking. With my professional standards, no matter what, I’ll still leave him with half a breath.”

Lisha Castle, the Banquet Hall.

Li Xiao received the notification that Wei Feng had already set off. He planned to wait for the opening dance to end, then find an empty corner to hide the kitten first.

The hall was filled with a suffocating mix of floral scents, alcohol, and all sorts of chaotic aromas, irritating Li Xiao to no end. If not for the mission later tonight, he wouldn’t want to stay here for another minute.

Yet before he could take two steps, numerous officials blocked their path to toast them, dragging their families along and subtler-than-subtly pushing their Omega children toward Li Xiao.

Li Xiao was thoroughly annoyed. Song Jin was already covered in a cocktail of scents, and now even his original scent was being completely drowned out.

A delicate-looking Omega youth, relying on his father’s conversation with Li Xiao, couldn’t suppress his instincts and shyly squeezed closer to Li Xiao’s side.

Li Xiao didn’t rush to dodge. Just as the youth nudged over, Li Xiao’s hand trembled, spilling half a glass of red wine all over the official.

The official instinctively backed away, feeling a flash of anger. But when he saw that it was his own son who had caused the trouble, he hurriedly bowed and apologized, “I am so sorry, my son is completely lacking in manners.”

As he spoke, he yanked the Omega back to his side.

Li Xiao unhurriedly placed the wine glass onto a waiter’s tray and picked up a fresh one.

“It’s no problem.”

“I think he’s just drunk,” Song Jin looked down at the Omega, letting out a casual smile. “He can’t even stand straight, and yet he loves throwing himself into people’s arms.”

The Omega panicked. Hearing that pleasant voice, he instinctively looked up, only to unexpectedly catch Song Jin’s ice-cold gaze. The sight scared him so much his face turned pale.

The official was far more perceptive than his son. Sensing the off-key atmosphere, he bade Li Xiao farewell and dragged his son away immediately.

Seeing this, the surrounding crowd restrained themselves a little.

Li Xiao intended to avoid them, but he couldn’t stop the sheer volume of people coming over to chat.

Normally, he would have plenty of patience to play political tai chi with these people. But tonight, all his attention was focused on Song Jin. Watching those Omegas get close, he kept losing his focus.

Unless he hid the kitten somewhere nobody could reach, he wouldn’t be able to settle his mind at all.

Unable to bear it any longer, Li Xiao whispered to Song Jin beside him, “You must be tired after standing for so long. Why don’t you go over there and rest for a bit?”

Song Jin: “…”

He hadn’t even done anything yet, how could he be tired?

Besides, with so many “prospective secondary wives” around, his current state was so pumped he could knock out a bull with a single punch.

“I’m not tired,” Song Jin was determined not to leave. “I like making new friends together with you.”

He placed special emphasis on the words “new friends.”

However, falling upon Li Xiao’s ears, it translated to: “I just love playing around with all kinds of Omegas, so mind your own business.” His calm composure almost crumbled.

Suppressing his annoyance, Li Xiao’s tone remained practically unchanged: “You didn’t eat much at noon. I’ll come find you in a bit. Be good.”

Song Jin: “…”

He was actually so persistent about sending him away.

Thinking about the plan for tonight, Song Jin figured Li Xiao was afraid that if both of them got tied down, they wouldn’t have total control over the situation, which might lead to complications in the mission.

Under Li Xiao’s gaze, Song Jin reluctantly agreed, “Then how are you going to make it up to me?”

Li Xiao: “Whatever you want.”

Song Jin: “You said it yourself.”

Li Xiao: “Mm.”

The crowd of onlookers: “…”

This young couple is way too sugary.

However, the Second Prince sending Song Jin away—does it mean he intends to seek a political marriage? Do they actually have a chance?

Song Jin walked over to the quietest corner, where he could clearly observe the entire hall, including the movements of the main members of the Meng family.

Observing from the corner of his eye, Li Xiao let out a slight sigh of relief and turned his attention back to the official in front of him. “Where were we?”

Seeing that Li Xiao’s complexion looked much better than before, the surrounding people felt even more validated in their guesses.

The Second Prince definitely wanted a political marriage!

Nobody attending this event was an idiot. Seeing this, many who had been waiting on the sidelines began crowding toward Li Xiao one after another.

Not far away, Meng Jian was chatting with another group of officials.

Noticing Li Xiao being swallowed up by the crowd, someone couldn’t help but whisper, “When the Second Prince returned to the palace last time, these people weren’t nearly this eager.”

“How can that time compare to now? Li Xiao’s support rating is practically overtaking His Majesty’s.”

“I know that everyone with an Omega at home is racking their brains to curry favor with the Second Prince. Just that face alone—how many hearts could it capture?”

“Who would have thought they would actually manage to turn things around?”

“Hard to say. It’s still a long road ahead.”

“Look at this situation. The moment the Royal Family waves a hand, how many people start wagging their tails to lick up to them?”

Listening to their discussions, Meng Jian’s grip on his wine glass tightened.

The original intent of tonight’s banquet was to reassure the officials who supported the Meng family, showing them that the Meng family still held dominance over the Royal Family. Now, however, it had turned into Li Xiao’s personal stage.

But the game is only just beginning.

Song Jin sat in the lounge area holding his wine glass, his eyes resting on Li Xiao while simultaneously keeping an eye on Meng Shan and Meng Jian.

The moment he walked away, even more “prospective secondary wives” pounced on Li Xiao, completely acting as if he didn’t exist.

Just thinking about it made Song Jin angry. He asked 07 through his mind interface: 【Where is Wei Feng?】

07: 【Great-Grandpa just sent him inside. He is currently verifying the castle’s security and defense system.】

Song Jin checked the time. It was about time for Meng Shan to make his exit.

As the former patriarch of the Meng family, staying too long at an event filled with junior figures was below his status.

Sure enough, less than five minutes later, Meng Shan departed with his housekeeper. Several high-ranking officials nearby bowed slightly, looking as if they were preparing to join him for a second gathering.

Song Jin: 【Meng Shan left through the southeast exit of the main hall. Have Wei Feng get ready.】

07: 【Delivered.】

A wooden door shut out the noise from inside the main hall.

By this time, the sky outside had turned pitch black. The corridor was dimly lit and exceptionally quiet.

Thinking of Li Xiao, Meng Shan’s face darkened, his tone turning somewhat harsh: “I heard earlier that this Li family brat was tough to deal with, and he really does have some skill. To think he dares to act so arrogant on my turf.”

Beside him, the old housekeeper, who was nearly a hundred years old, respectfully replied, “They say newborn calves do not fear tigers. Once he suffers a few more harsh beatings, he’ll understand how this world really works.”

Meng Shan said, “The more someone is like this, the easier they are to exploit.”

On the way to the lounge to change clothes, one had to cross an arched skybridge. Thermal spring water flowed down from the mountain peak along the terrain, passing through the middle of the skybridge. Both sides were lush with mountain forests, planted with exotic flowers and rare plants.

Hearing faint footsteps, Meng Shan casually raised his head. A fluttering jacket hem flashed between two stone pillars.

His eyelids twitched, and he quickened his pace by two steps. But when he looked again, there was nothing there.

The housekeeper followed up in confusion, “Master, what’s wrong?”

There shouldn’t be anyone here at this hour.

Meng Shan pointed at the skybridge and turned to ask him, “Did you see someone just now?”

The housekeeper scanned the area twice. “No, guests shouldn’t be coming to this side.”

Past the skybridge was the private area. Without the host’s permission, others were not allowed to enter at will.

Suppressing his suspicion, Meng Shan stepped onto the skybridge, still looking left and right, unwilling to give up.

Just as he retracted his gaze, he suddenly saw a tall figure sitting on the window frame of the long corridor, a military uniform jacket draped over his shoulders, staring blankly at the mountain forest ahead.

Meng Shan’s footsteps came to a sudden halt, feeling as though he had been struck by lightning.

That side profile—no matter how many years passed, it was impossible for him to forget it!

Meng Shan blinked, and the shadow vanished into thin air.

The housekeeper was left completely baffled by Meng Shan’s behavior. Just as he was about to ask, he saw Meng Shan dash across the skybridge like crazy, neurotically searching for something along the corridor.

“Master! What are you looking for?”

“Someone was sitting right there just now!” Meng Shan pointed at the window frame.

The housekeeper felt a chill run down his spine at his words. “I didn’t see anything at all.”

“It’s true! He—”

Mid-sentence, Meng Shan looked past the housekeeper’s shoulder and saw that shadow appear once more, standing motionless a short distance away with his back facing him. “It’s him!”

Seeing Meng Shan staring with wide, terror-filled eyes at the space behind him, the housekeeper broke into a cold sweat. He spun around abruptly, but sure enough, there was nothing behind him.

“Master, are you perhaps too exhausted?” the housekeeper asked worriedly.

Meng Shan shoved him aside and rushed over, but where was there any trace of a person?

“Who is playing tricks here?! You dare cause trouble on my property?!”

The housekeeper hurriedly called the surveillance center: “Have you detected any suspicious personnel entering or exiting?”

To ensure living comfort, only the most basic security personnel were stationed inside the castle, though the defense and control systems were extremely comprehensive.

The staff at the surveillance center reported, “Reporting, no suspicious personnel have been detected at this time.”

Hearing the housekeeper’s report, Meng Shan breathed heavily, his chest heaving violently. He couldn’t help but begin to doubt whether he had truly misseen things himself.

The housekeeper comforted him, “You must be too tired lately and having hallucinations.”

Upon arriving at the lounge, the housekeeper went to fetch the clothes that had been prepared in advance, while Meng Shan sat on the sofa, massaging his throbbing temples.

Seeing that person again after so many years brought back many unpleasant memories.

“Go pour me a glass of water—”

Before Meng Shan could finish his sentence, footsteps sounded once again. He snapped his head up.

The figure draped in the military jacket walked over to the bookshelf, folded his arms, and looked up, seemingly searching for a book he wanted to read.

Meng Shan’s entire body tensed. Instinctively shrinking back, his gaze shifted from the shadow’s side profile down to the eye-catching Golden Feathered Sparrow epaulet on the military uniform. Shivering, two words squeezed out from between his teeth: “Wei… Feng…!”

The figure over there seemed to hear his voice and turned his head toward him.

“Ah—!” Meng Shan shrieked in horror. It was as if there was something utterly terrifying on that face that he couldn’t and didn’t dare to face. Trying to scramble up and retreat, he kicked the corner of the table in his panic and fell embarrassingly to the ground.

Hearing the commotion, the housekeeper rushed inside. “Master, are you alright?!”

Meng Shan sat on the floor, pointing frantically at the bookshelf: “Drive that person away, quick!”

The housekeeper replied, “It’s just you and me in here.”

Meng Shan yelled, “Open your eyes and look properly!”

The housekeeper looked around. “There really is no one.”

Meng Shan held his breath and looked over. Sure enough, there was nothing in front of the bookshelf.

Following the intense fear was a surging wave of rage. Supporting himself on the housekeeper, he stood up and ran to the bookshelf, searching frantically: “Wei Feng, if you’ve got the guts, come out! If I could make you die once, I can make you die a second time!”

Yet no matter how he roared, no one responded to him.

Half an hour after Meng Shan left the hall, Meng Jian and several high-ranking officials arrived at the small parlor right on schedule, leaving enough time for the elder to rest.

However, when they arrived, they found Meng Shan’s face pale and sallow, his complexion far worse than before.

“If you’re feeling unwell, you should go back to rest first. I’ll handle things here,” Meng Jian whispered beside Meng Shan.

Meng Shan waved his hand with a dark expression. “No need.”

Once all the invited guests had arrived, Meng Shan raised his wine glass, a trace of a smile returning to his face. “Thank you all for your long-standing support of the Meng family. I believe everyone sitting here is different from the rest—you understand that a wise bird chooses a good tree to roost in…”

The officials who could come here were all deeply tied to the Meng family’s interests, making the atmosphere exceptionally harmonious.

As glasses were raised and toasted, Meng Shan regained his confidence and sense of superiority.

“I received news that the Shengya Royal Family approved next year’s military budget. The moment those old dogs in the Shengya military get the money, they plan to withdraw their troops.”

“Working so hard at the border—as expected, it was all for money.”

“Danse isn’t made of paper. If they really want to invade, they’ll have to weigh their options carefully.”

“For the past twenty years, the domestic situation in Shengya has been stable. If the Royal Family really wants to launch a war of aggression, I’m afraid the Shengya citizens would be the first to oppose it.”

“War burns money. After a major war, who knows how many years the economy would regress? For ordinary people, they could lose their lives at any moment, so naturally they wouldn’t want to fight.”

“It’s possible for Shengya to engage in minor skirmishes to snatch energy resources, but the possibility of a full-scale war is extremely low.”

Meng Jian swirled his wine glass. “As long as Shengya withdraws its troops, everything will be easy to handle.”

“Prepare early, once they—” As Meng Shan spoke, his peripheral vision noticed a figure suddenly appear in the distant corner of the wall.

This time, the figure was facing him directly, standing silently by the wall with his head slightly lowered.

The moment Meng Shan looked over, that person suddenly raised both eyes.

Their gazes met across the empty space.

The immense visual shock made Meng Shan forget to breathe. Only a single thought spun repeatedly in his head—it was Wei Feng! Wei Feng had come back to seek revenge on him!

“Wei Feng… Go away… Get away from me!”

Meng Shan threw the wine glass in his hand toward the corner. Sliding to his knees onto the floor, he smashed things around while screaming at the top of his lungs in utter agony, “Get out! Stop haunting me! Get out!”

The others were frightened out of their wits by Meng Shan’s seemingly possessed reaction.

Sitting directly opposite him, Meng Jian took the full brunt of the thrown wine glass. Not only was his face doused in red wine, but the shattered glass also sliced several bloody gashes across his face.

“Father!”

Meng Jian brushed off the glass fragments from his body and went over to support Meng Shan.

Grabbing him like a drowning man clutching a lifesaving straw, Meng Shan cried, “Wei Feng is here! Wei Feng’s dead spirit has come for me!”

Meng Jian looked in the direction Meng Shan was pointing, but there was nothing there. With a dark face, he looked at the housekeeper: “What is wrong with him?”

Supporting Meng Shan, the housekeeper said with deep worry, “The Master started having hallucinations right after leaving the main hall. He kept saying someone named Wei Feng was following him.”

Hearing the name Wei Feng, Meng Jian’s expression turned hideously grim.

Meng Shan was screaming and shouting hysterically, having completely lost the poise and demeanor of a former patriarch.

Left with no choice, Meng Jian called people in to take Meng Shan to the rest room, ordering the housekeeper in a low voice, “Get a doctor to check on him.”

The housekeeper complied and hurried out after them.

Meng Jian pressed a handkerchief against his wound, then turned to look at the others. Seeing that every single one of them looked thoroughly terrified, he sat back down: “My father is advanced in years and suffers from some neurasthenia. It’s nothing serious.”

In the rest room.

After examining Meng Shan, the doctor administered some sedative medication, leaving Meng Shan lying in bed half-asleep.

Seeing him trembling all over as if he had been severely traumatized, the doctor said to the housekeeper, “Don’t let the Master suffer any more shocks. At his age, his blood vessels are very fragile. Extreme emotional fluctuations could easily cause a blood vessel to burst.”

The housekeeper nodded in agreement and saw the doctor out. When he returned, seeing that Meng Shan had already fallen asleep, he quietly backed out of the room to guard outside.

“Meng Shan… Shan… Shan Shan…”

Hearing a vaguely familiar voice in his ear, Meng Shan’s mind was instantly pulled back to his youth. He opened his eyes in a daze. The room was illuminated by only two small night lights, making it extremely dim.

For a moment, Meng Shan didn’t know where he was or why he was here.

Suddenly, a crisp click sounded—it was the sound of a lighter.

Startled, Meng Shan turned his head stiffly.

Seated in the single-seater armchair by the window was an Alpha in his thirties, wearing an old-style Lieutenant General uniform. The uniform jacket draped over his shoulder bore a striking Golden Feathered Sparrow epaulet. The man held a cigarette between his fingers and was lighting it with a lighter. Though his movements were relaxed and casual, his back was straight as a ramrod.

Noticing Meng Shan’s gaze, Wei Feng exhaled a puff of white smoke, looked over, and curved his lips into a smile: “Little Shan Shan, you’re finally awake. How come after just a few days of not seeing each other, you’ve aged so much? Seeing your face full of wrinkles breaks my heart.”

Meng Shan’s face changed drastically. Terrified to the point of stiffening completely, he twitched as he scrambled sideways: “Who… who are you…”

Wei Feng bit his lower lip and threw him a coy wink: “You heartless devil, how could you not even recognize me? I’m your Little Feng Feng.”

Reason told Meng Shan that he must be dreaming, yet the smell of cigarette smoke wafting into his nose tugged relentlessly at his nerves.

This cigarette smoke, carrying a bitter and pungent aroma, reawakened memories that had been buried for decades.

Wei Feng only smoked this obscure brand of cigarettes. This unique tobacco scent couldn’t be wrong—it was him.

Meng Shan clutched the blanket tightly, his chin trembling, so terrified he could barely breathe: “Wei… Feng…”

Wei Feng casually smoked his cigarette: “You’re narrow-minded and arrogant. Back in school, your grades weren’t as good as mine. At work, your battle achievements weren’t as good as mine. Yet you’ve managed to outlive me, just like a hideous, useless old turtle.”

Meng Shan was completely terrified out of his mind. The more Wei Feng spoke, the more real the terror felt.

“Help… Help!”

Meng Shan rolled off the bed as he scrambled backward. Scared to the point of feeling no pain, he crawled toward the door using both hands and feet, pounding on it wildly: “Someone, come! Open the door! Open the door, quick—!”

Yet even though it was clearly a wooden door, it felt like pounding on solid metal.

Meng Shan couldn’t care less. He pounded for a long time, but received no response whatsoever.

Footsteps sounded behind him once more. Meng Shan’s scalp went numb. Trembling uncontrollably, he turned his head around to see that Wei Feng had already stood up from his seat and was walking toward him at an unhurried pace.

“Your time is about up. Don’t be afraid—I came up to pick you up personally.”

Wei Feng walked over with a smile. “They’re all getting anxious waiting down there.”

Meng Shan’s eyes bulged, his terror reaching its absolute peak.

“Help… HELP!”

In the main hall.

Song Jin propped up his chin, watching the surveillance footage in his interface, unable to resist letting out a laugh.

The grand former patriarch of the Meng family actually had this little courage.

“What’s making you so happy?”

Hearing that unpleasant voice, Song Jin lifted his eyelids and looked over.

Meng Fei, holding a wine glass, sat down in the seat beside him: “Why not share it with me?”

Song Jin let out a light laugh: “Not everyone is like you, willing to share just about anything.”